Ordega Francisca, also known as “Margaret” or “Papapua”, is an award winning player for defenders for Nigeria who has represented the national team since 1996. Born in Enkoma, Nigeria she was named after her birth town of Enkoma where she was reportedly brought up as a Catholic. She began playing football at a very early age and was called “Tata”. Following a spell with Chinese giants Beijingadia Malaysia in the mid-90s, she moved to Spain, playing for Racing de la Rioja before moving to Inter Milan in Italy. Whilst there she became a regular in the Argentina side and impressed coach Roberto Mancini enough to earn an Italy squad call up that she did not make an appearance for.
Ordega then played for Ghana in the Africa Nations cup in 2021, where she made an impressive start to her international career. After retiring from football she has pursued a career as a physiotherapist and nutritionist and has travelled around the globe to represent her country at the International Olympics and World Cups. She holds dual British and African nationality credentials and is now a full-time partner in a sports management company based in Dubai. Ordega holds an M.S.C. degree in Health and Physical Education and is a qualified nutritional consultant for the London Olympics committee.
Ordega Francisca’s official website states that she is “loving and passionate about life”. She has four children and a passion for all things physical, which she says is what her life’s work is based on. “I’m passionate about helping young athletes get fit. I feel like an athlete’s wife: I’m here to support my husband, but also help young people who want to take charge of their bodies and be the best they can be.” Her partner of 14 years, lining is Terence Francisca.